PHILLIES FILES: Comparing Howard's springs and how this one looks so far

March 04, 2013|By Mandy Housenick, Of The Morning Call

Want something to feel good about when it comes to the Phillies' spring training numbers?

Take a look at what Ryan Howard has done this year compared to other years.

In 24 at-bats, the Phillies clean-up hitter has 3 home runs, giving him a home run every 8.0 at-bats.

Compare that to the 2011 spring training (remember he missed all of Grapefruit League play last year because of his Achilles). That spring, Howard hit five home runs in 72 at-bats, meaning he homered every 14.4 at-bats.

During 2006, what would become his MVP season when he hit 58 home runs, Howard hit 11 home runs in 85 at-bats during Grapefruit League play, giving him a home run every 7.7 at-bats.

And he already has 10 RBIs in nine games. In 2011, he had 14 RBIs in 26 games. And his at-bats per strikeout have gone down, too. So far this spring, he's fanned six times in 24 at-bats (4.0 average). Two years ago, he struck out 16 times in 72 at-bats (4.5 average).

I know it's early. I know hitters are always ahead of pitchers during spring training, especially at this point.